Southport’s iconic Silcock’s Carousel is being re-installed on the Promenade in Southport after undergoing its annual clean and thorough maintenance.
Families will be able to enjoy the thrill of the historic Victorian ‘Herbert Silcock’s Golden Gallopers’ when the ride reopens in time for February Half Term which begins on Saturday, 15th February 2025.
The Carousel is one of Southport’s most popular attractions, and was voted by members of the public as the fourth best seaside attraction in Britain in the Bucket and Spade List in 2023.
Silcock Leisure Group Operations Manager Serena Silcock-Prince said:
“It’s been a busy couple of days putting everything back together after the Carousel’s annual maintenance.
“Lots of people have been coming up and asking about the ride as work has been taking place.
“It’s a very iconic ride! We love seeing generations of families coming back with their children to enjoy rides on it.
“We are getting everything ready for February Half Term, which we hope will be a busy time for the whole of Southport. There are so many reasons for people to come and visit.
“We’re delighted to support Southport BID and Sefton Council in their initiative to bring 10 colourful bear sculptures to Southport with a ‘We’re Going On A Bear Hunt’ theme.
“You’ll be able to find one of the bears near the Carousel from this weekend. We can’t wait to see it.
“We would love to see your pictures on social media!
“During February Half Term, Silcock’s Carousel; Silcock’s Funland; and Silcock’s Pier Family Restaurant will be open every day.”
Herbert Silcock’s Golden Gallopers have been putting smiles on families’ faces since the historic ride was built in 1901.
It sits at the entrance to Southport Pier, and next to Silcock’s Funland and Silcock’s Pier Family Restaurant.
In 2023 the Carousel was recognised as one of the Liverpool City Region’s top attractions, having been honoured in the top 10 in the Hidden Gems category in the 2023 Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards.
It stands proudly on the Promenade in Southport, offering fun for people of all ages as they spin round and round to the sound of a Gavioli fairground organ.
The ride is a beautiful symbol of happy times at the seaside through history, entertaining many thousands of generations over the past few decades.
The remarkable ride was built in the reign of Queen Victoria, by Savages of King’s Lynne.
It was purchased by the Silcock family in 1989 and it took three years of painstaking restoration to return it to its former glory.
This 18 ton ride is 42 ft in diameter, 18 ft tall and has 33 Horses – each of them named after a member of the Silcock family and family friends.
The horses on the inside of the ride are original Anderson carvings and date to when the ride was built at the turn of the century. The rest of the horses have been replaced by copies due to wear and tear.
The beautiful Gavioli organ at the centre of the ride, built by Gavioli in Paris in 1901, is worthy of being recognised as a Hidden Gem in its own right.
The Carousel is surrounded by lots of other fun attractions, including the beautiful Kings Gardens, the Marine Lake, Silcock’s Funland, Southport Beach, Southport Miniature Railway Village, Southport Pleasureland and more.
- For more news about what’s on at Silcock Leisure Group venues please visit: www.silcock-leisure.co.uk
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